2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Zero NHTSA Complaints, Four Recalls for Battery and Post-Crash Fire Risks

0Complaints
4Recalls
60/100Reliability Score

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has a unique safety profile characterized by a complete absence of consumer complaints to NHTSA, yet a significant recall history primarily concerning fire risks. Despite zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the NHTSA complaint database, the vehicle has been subject to four recalls. Two of these recalls, 20V-701 and 21V-560, address a critical issue where the high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity, increasing the risk of injury. This battery fire risk led to a broad recall affecting all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Bolt EV vehicles, with a subsequent recall for vehicles previously repaired incorrectly. Beyond the battery, two additional recalls (22V-930 and 23V-589) pertain to the vehicle's structure, specifically the roof and pillars. These recalls highlight a risk where, after a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, again increasing the risk of injury from a vehicle fire. The latter recall, 23V-589, specifically notes that it includes vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under 22V-930, indicating a persistent issue with the structural fire risk. NHTSA has not published any overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, making it impossible to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. The absence of consumer complaints is striking, especially given the severity of the recall issues. This suggests that either the recalls effectively addressed potential issues before widespread consumer reporting, or consumers reported issues directly to GM rather than NHTSA. The primary safety concerns for this vehicle revolve around fire risks stemming from both the high-voltage battery and post-crash pretensioner deployment.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
High Voltage Battery Fire Risk
The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity, as detailed in NHTSA recalls 20V-701 and 21V-560. This issue affected all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Bolt EV vehicles.		 High Common N/A miles
Post-Crash Pretensioner Fire Risk
After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, increasing fire risk. This was addressed in NHTSA recalls 22V-930 and 23V-589.		 High Occasional N/A miles

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has zero consumer complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported directly to NHTSA. However, it has been subject to four significant recalls, two for high voltage battery fire risk and two for post-crash pretensioner fire risk. NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for this model.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

The most reported issues, based on recall data, are the risk of the high voltage battery catching fire when fully charged (NHTSA recalls 20V-701, 21V-560) and the risk of carpet ignition near the B-pillar after seat belt pretensioner deployment in a crash (NHTSA recalls 22V-930, 23V-589). There are no consumer complaints detailing other common problems.

Has the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV had battery fire issues?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV was part of a major recall (NHTSA recalls 20V-701 and 21V-560) due to a risk of the high voltage battery catching fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity. This issue affected all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Bolt EV vehicles.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has had four recalls. Two relate to the high voltage battery fire risk (20V-701, 21V-560) and two relate to a fire risk from seat belt pretensioner deployment after a crash (22V-930, 23V-589).

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant fire-related recalls despite zero consumer complaints, ensure all four recalls (20V-701, 21V-560, 22V-930, 23V-589) have been properly addressed by a dealership before purchase, and be aware of the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt Ev. The data includes 0 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.